CT Scan or Computed Tomography scan is a diagnostic imaging test which is used to create fully detailed images of bones, organs, blood vessels and soft tissues. CT Scan images can be further reformatted in several planes and can also be converted into 3D images. Since CT Scan images help to detect and confirm major problems in organs and bones, CT scans are the best way to detect several types of cancers. It is an accurate, fast and non invasive procedure which helps to reveal various internal injuries as well as bleeding, thus aiding in saving lives.

The term computed tomography (CT) is mostly referred to as to X-ray CT, because it is the most popularly known form. But there are various others form of CT scans as well and some of them include Positron emission tomography (PET) as well as Single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). In the last two decades, the use of CT Scan technology or test has increased rapidly. Millions of CT scans are performed every year in most developed countries to detect diseases and illnesses.

There are various kinds of CT scans and some include the following: CT Scan CERVICO THORACIC SPINE, CT Scan KUB WITH CONTRAST, CT Scan BRAIN, CT Scan BREAST etc.

Common Uses

As clear from the above given information, CT scan is an extremely useful test and an important tool in medical imaging. The following are some of its common uses:

CT Scan for head test can be used to detect tumors, bone trauma, infarction and calcifications etc.

CT Scan for lungs can be used to detect both chronic as well as acute changes in the internal of the lungs.

Cardiac CT Scan test combined with subsection rotation can be used to obtain images of coronary arteries.

CT Scan pulmonary angiogram can be used to detect pulmonary embolism to get images to pulmonary arteries.

Pelvic and abdominal CT Scan is an excellent test to diagnose various abdominal diseases. It can help detect cancers and stages of cancers.

It helps to image complex kinds of fractures, especially those which are around the area of the joints. It also helps to recognize dislocations and ligamentous injuries.

preparation

Preparation for CT scan diagnostic test may differ from case to case, depending upon which body part shall be going for the scan. The following are some of the things you may be required to do in order to prepare for it:

You may be asked to remove some or all of your clothing items and wear a gown given by the hospital to you.

You will also be asked to remove any and all metal objects like jewellery items, belts, eyeglasses, dentures etc which may come in the way of the test or scan in any way.

Sometimes doctors also advise not to drink or eat anything for a few hours just before the scan or test.

A special dye which is known as contrast material is required for CT scans which help to highlight the body parts or organs which will be going under scan. What this material does is that it helps in blocking the x rays and comes as white in the images obtained. This white color can help emphasize on the organs or vessels etc.

Benefits

CT Scan test helps to determine which surgeries are needed or required.

CT Scan helps to reduce the requirement of exploratory surgeries.

CT Scan has also proved to improve cancer diagnoses as well as treatment.

CT scan helps to reduce the length of time one has to spend in hospitals due to tests and diagnoses process.

CT Scan provides the exact location and nature of illness or injury, thus making the process of treatment easier for doctors.

CT Scan also helps improve patient placement into the right areas of care like ICU etc.

Risks

During a CT scan, a person is exposed to ionizing radiation for a brief period of time. The scan uses more radiation than an X ray since it is a more detailed information gathering scan. However there are no long term harm of these radiations. But there is a small potential to increase the risk cancer.

Pregnant women must avoid going for CT Scans since these tests can pose possible risk to unborn children. The radiation can injure the baby in the womb.

Although this is very rare, but some people may experience reaction to the contrast material which is used in CT Scans. The contrast material is injected in the vein of the arm and may sometimes cause life threatening allergies or reactions.